GARAGE CONCERTS VOL. II

Just to go over this again CARDIACS did three consecutive nights of concerts in October of 2003 at an intimate venue called the Garage in London playing tracks from 1976 to 1983 only. These were previously unreleased or re-worked songs. And from those three nights they came up with 2 hours of music and released the two volumes at an hour each back in 2005. "Volume I" didn't do much for me so imagine my surprise at hearing how good this one is. It's like they saved the best for last except for that one song from Volume I called "Let Alone My Plastic Doll". Even the banter between Smith and the audience is not only funny but not humour from the mire. I like this cd! My favourite live CARDIACS right here. So glad I have it in my damp little hands. Kavus helps out too, the KNIFEWORLD musician.

The first track to jump out at me is "Dinner Is At Home(Not Here)" haha. So anthem-like but the tempo changes at times. "Hello Mr. Minnow" has this driving rhythm section and check out the vocal arrangements around 2 1/2 minutes. Instrumentally how good and crazy is "A Cake For Bertie's Party". Heaviness on "Dead Mouse", lots of guitar. Vocals aren't invasive either. Great track! "How about "Visiting Hours" which sounds like typical CARDIACS until before 3 1/2 minutes when that heaviness and guitar line over top kicks in as they slow it down some. So good! "A Game For Bertie's Party" and yes Bertie is pretty popular. This is almost Avant sounding before we get a calm with vocals. This one is pure fun and proggy. "Icky Qualms" ends it and it's my final highlight. Heavy and fast with spacey synths. Vocals will trade off with synths. Check out the vocal expressions just before a minute.

I'm still spinning from how much I like this one. It's great to have a "go to" live CARDIACS album along with the three studio albums I really like. I didn't mention R.E.S. From "The Seaside" album but it's also really good.